Louisiana's top 2026 prospects countdown: Nos. 30 to 21

Prep Redzone Louisiana will release its updated 2026 rankings this week, with some notable new additions entering their sophomore seasons.   Leading up to the complete, 100-player list on Thursday, we will count down the top 30 in more detail.   And make sure to check back throughout the week following the release for additional features.     30. [player_tooltip player_id='710970' first='Hayward' last='Howard'] Jr. | 5-11, 150 DB | Destrehan   The biggest update here is Howard, who remains in the No. 20-30 range from the first class rankings, transferred this summer from Warren Easton to Destrehan. The long, aggressive cornerback placed himself firmly on the Prep Redzone Louisiana radar this spring with his fearless play against older athletes in 18U action on the 7-on-7 circuit, and he becomes another notable younger name to watch for the reigning-champion and still-loaded Wildcats.   29. [player_tooltip player_id='283984' first='Jaden' last='Dillon'] | 6-1, 270 DL | Archbishop Rummel   The big, strong defensive tackle was more than capable of competing physically this past fall as a freshman in one of the state's most competitive Class 5A districts, already powering and slipping past blockers for disruptive plays in the backfield. And his coaches praised his focus and work this spring as he continues to develop his skillset.   28. [player_tooltip player_id='401947' first='Christian' last='Speight'] | 6-2, 285 OL/DL | Evangel Christian   Holding onto a top-30 spot in the expanded rankings as more young prospects continue to emerge around the state is the big, physical and versatile Shreveport athlete. As noted in his debut earlier this year in Prep Redzone Louisiana's first round of rankings for his class, Speights is a multisport standout with notable potential on either side of the ball. His primary distinction on the list flips from D-line to O-line this time around.   27. [player_tooltip player_id='920609' first='O'Ryan' last='Mosley'] | 6-3, 295 OL | Terrebonne   The Tigers' left tackle is the prospect in the top 30 of this rankings update of whom Prep Redzone Louisiana has been able to see the least thus far, but enough to have him among the most intriguing handful of O-line prospects early in the development of this class.   26. [player_tooltip player_id='401749' first='Cole' last='Bergeron'] | 6-3, 180 QB | St. Thomas More   Just as Louisiana's highly publicized 2023 quarterback class heads to college, the 2026 group is starting to show some notable promise in its own right. With his tall frame, strong arm and mature demeanor, Bergeron is one of four quarterbacks in the top 31 spots in this Prep Redzone Louisiana rankings update, moving up one spot from his No. 27 debut earlier this year with the flashes he was showing on the 7-on-7 trail.   25. [player_tooltip player_id='920695' first='Ke'Rynn' last='Smith'] | 5-9, 175 RB | Holy Cross   The Tigers' speedy receiving corps has garnered the bulk of the media attention thus far as new coach Scott Wattigny prepares for his first season, but the young back is already an intriguing prospect to watch — including early Indiana and Missouri offers — in a junior-heavy backfield that should provide some nice balance. Like the team's star pass-catchers, Smith is standout sprinter. But he also possesses a thicker build he keeps powering through contact for tough yards.   24. [player_tooltip player_id='401958' first='Frederic' last='Downing Jr']. | 6-3, 265 DL | Hahnville   The Tigers' young defensive lineman's combination of his tall, long frame and the explosiveness with which he fires off the line and pursues makes him one of the top trench prospects to watch early on for Louisiana's 2026 cycle. Prep Redzone Next originally passed Downing up to the Prep Redzone Louisiana watch list as he began high school, and a strong summer on the camp circuit at in-state programs helped him start generating some college buzz.   23. [player_tooltip player_id='710975' first='Jaden' last='Carter'] | 5-9, 165 WR | Covenant Christian   As noted this spring, Carter is an electric multisport standout who released a strong set of freshman football highlights this spring after wrapping up an all-state honorable-mention basketball season. Carter's quickness, explosiveness make him a headache for opposing defenses and special teams units to try to cover or corral. Also, of note, he plans to attend Covenant Christian this year after beginning his high school career at A.J. Ellender.   22. [player_tooltip player_id='710969' first='Gregory' last='Wilfred'] | 5-8, 160 WR | Destrehan   The quick-footed and focused freshman earned his way onto the field this fall for a loaded Wildcats squad during its undefeated state championship run and has consistently been among the top producers all offseason for a still-loaded receiving corps with his sharp route-running, great tracking of the ball and reliable hands. Troy and Louisiana Tech extended offers this spring.   21. [player_tooltip player_id='401985' first='Ty' last='Dominique'] | 6-3, 225 DL | St. Augustine   Many eyes not just around the city and state, but nation will be watching the Purple Knights' defensive line this fall in anticipation of the first varsity season for 2026 defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='212341' first='Jahkeem' last='Stewart']. But his partner-in-crime in St. Augustine's rising sophomore class should open some eyes as well with the long frame and explosiveness in both his get-off and tackling that he brings to a strong D-line rotation overall.

Prep Redzone Louisiana will release its updated 2026 rankings this week, with some notable new additions entering their sophomore seasons.